Railways and RTC to fight against private operators in Tirupathi, issue bus tickets in train
- Railway and RTC authorities cooperate for Tirupathi devotees
- Introduce the scheme of selling bus tickets in trains for the ease of passengers
- Experiment introduced in Narayanadri Express, sells 150 bus tickets daily
- This is an attempt to control private operators from stealing the devotees
FollowRailway and Road Transport Corporation authorities, in an attempt to curtail the atrocities of private operators in Tirupathi and to give a safe travel to the devotees, came up with the concept of issuing bus tickets in trains. This experiment came into effect from November 1 in Narayanadri Express.
Tirupathi and Alipiri RTC officials announced that 150 tickets per day are being issued in the train. They are getting ready to bring this service to other trains as well.
Daily commuters to Tirupathi are between 1.20 lakhs to 1.45 lakhs of which 40,000 visit the temple. As soon as the devotees land outside the station private autos, buses and taxis flock the area demanding exorbitant price for taking the passengers to the temple on the hill.
Passengers find it difficult to tow their luggage in the RTC buses which are far away. RTC authorities observing this trend approached the Railway DRM and senior DSM and submitted a written memorandum to issue permission for selling of bus tickets in the train.
The railway authorities positively responded and in the first phase chose 12733 Narayanadri Express from Secunderabad to Tirupathi. Three bus conductors board at Srikalahasthi Railway Station and issue bus tickets in sleeper class, General and AC coach. Every day they issue 150 tickets.
The passengers take the tickets and directly board the bus parked opposite to the station. This experiment is receiving a positive response from the passengers said RTC RM Nagasivudu.
The authorities plan to introduce this scheme in Saptagiri Express from Chennai to Tirupathi and Coimbatore-Tirupathi Express.
